New Year’s Resolutions with Your Pet

                

               The New Year is just around the corner and most of us our making our list of New Year’s resolutions. Many of these resolutions focus on self-improvement (dieting, exercise, weight loss, attaining a new skill, etc), but why not make a resolution that includes your four-legged friends as well? Pets are an ever-present part our lives year-round, so shouldn’t they be involved in our new year’s resolutions too? Their presence has been shown to even inspire us to make the extra effort to improve.

Here are a few recommendations for pet-inclusive 2017 resolutions:

Resolution: Exercise More

               It’s not always easy to take our dogs for a walk, but if you make walking your dog a part of your workout routine it gets easier. Exercise is just as important for our pets to maintain an active life as it is for us. Work a 30 minute walk into your workout routine and you (and your dog) will be happier!

Resolution: Eat Better

               While you may think that dieting is only for humans, it is also very important for your pets to maintain a healthy weight. You can keep your pet’s weight in control by following the recommended feeding guidelines on your pet’s food bag (be sure to use a measuring cup), choosing an age appropriate diet, and limiting the amount of treats you introduce into their diet.

Resolution: Learn a New Skill

               It’s never too late for you to learn something new, and this can apply to your pets, too! Teach your pet a new trick in 2017. Studies show that mental stimulation can help reduce cognitive deterioration in aging animals. In other words, an active mind is a healthy mind! It also serves as a great way for you to bond with your pet.

Resolution: Remove Stress

              Stress is unpleasant and as much as we work to avoid it, it still can creep back into our lives. While searching for ways to reduce stress in your life in the coming year, ensure that your pets are spayed/neutered and up-to-date on their vaccinations. Sterilization surgeries not only eliminate the problems brought by unwanted litters, but also reduce many annoying tendencies such as roaming and marking. Vaccinations protect your pets against common, highly infectious diseases, and can keep you healthy, too! To learn more about low-cost veterinary care for your pet, visit TCAP online at: https://texasforthem.org/services/.